"This is the first really bad crash he's had" - Mikel Landa on Tadej Pogacar's injuries at La Vuelta
CyclingTuesday, 01 September 2026 at 11:30
Tadej Pogacar has been forced to withdraw from the Vuelta a España on stage 8 in which he's suffered multiple fractures. Mikel Landa, a rider who has been through similar situations on several instances, has spoken about the World Champion and his own recent injury.
The Slovenian's crash has thus far been a marking factor at La Vuelta, whilst at the same time carrying large consequences for the remainder of the season. Pogacar sustained a concussion, a fractured collarbone and vertebra.
A recovery period is not yet clear, whilst Pogacar underwent collarbone surgery this Monday. Mikel Landa, at the Spanish Grand Tour, urges Pogacar to start looking ahead and aknowledges that this could've happened to anyone.
"One key thing could be to think about next year a bit and looking ahead. He's still got lots of possible goals," Landa shared in words to Cyclingnews. "This is the first really bad crash he's had, and this isn't an easy sport, even if he's the king of the show".
Crash could be motivation for Pogacar
A return to racing in 2026 is not yet ruled out, although his injuries might take too long for the World Champion to recover in time. Within less than a month the World Championships in Montréal take place; whilst Il Lombardia takes place in around five weeks.
But 2027 is the earliest that Pogacar can make a return to his best form. Landa argues the injury might motivate the Slovenian to already begin thinking about the upcoming season.
"He needs to have that extra morale boost for sure and starting to plan for next year will likely be a great source of motivation for Tadej," the Basque argues.
Having also experienced several tough injuries throughout his long career, Landa is understanding of the situation. "When things like this happen, it brings us together and respect for the rivals is a big part of that".
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Landa recovered from severe spring injury
The Soudal - Quick-Step rider himself had his season disrupted by a pelvis fracture, suffered at Itzulia Basque Country where he was hit by a race vehicle. He was forced to miss several months of racing, and at the Vuelta he is still getting back to his rhythm.
"The injury I got from the crash in Itzulia, my fractured pelvis, has sorted itself out now," he confirms. "That was responsible for everything, at first the bones weren't setting properly but now they're no longer giving me any problems."
However the lack of training and racing during key moments of the season have left a dent on his ability to perform at the moment: "Right now, it's more a question of lack of form. I've barely raced all year and I'm lacking that race rhythm."
Asked about who is the new potential winner of the race, he believes it's anyone's to take: "The race is really open now and we'll have to see what happens, but I expect there will be a big battle between Mas, Gall and Roglic for the final victory."
Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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- Agreed, it is amazing what science and medical technology can do these days.
Andrew01-09-2026 - Lantern Rouge spoke about one of the riders trying to signal but they were right against the edge and going too fast.Andrew01-09-2026
- Your synopsis is a hell off a stretch Stef! As that old saying goes. Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All DoubtCyclingsbestfan01-09-2026
- I think Pogi should not return this year, he's done enough. But if he was to return, he should only do the last race this season, and that is the fifth Monument- Il Lombardia, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. If he would win it, he would be the first cyclist in history to win four Monuments in the same year, while being second in one (Paris-Roubaix). Now I'm not saying that's a smart thing to do, but you never know with these sports "super-humans" like Pogi or Marquez... and todays science in medical technology. What ever the decision will be, I hope it's for the good of Pogi, because things can also go very bad and ugly if the wrong decision is made.PogiSloFans01-09-2026
- I agree, but if he was to return, he should only do the last race this season, and that is the fifth Monument- Il Lombardia, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. If he would win it, he would be the first cyclist in history to win four Monuments in the same year, while being second in one (Paris-Roubaix). Now I'm not saying that's a smart thing to do, but you never know with these sports "super-humans" like Pogi or Marquez... and todays science in medical technology. What ever the decision will be, I hope it's for the good of Pogi, because things can also go very wrong if not done properly.PogiSloFans01-09-2026
- Stef Clement is an analyst, with the BS he said, really? Does he know that crashes are on numerous occasions inevitable and unavoidable? No he doesn't. If he did, he wouldn't be spitting "#$%&/()=* nonsense around. PS: Did Jonas, Van Aert, Remco, Roglič...etc etc. crash so many times because they knew they were the best and became careless? Answer this one Clement, but don't insult my intelligence.PogiSloFans01-09-2026
- Just stop the BS.PogiSloFans01-09-2026
- Yeah, he was "due" a proper DNF hospitalising crash purely on the law of averages like you say. That many race days and near-misses without one is more unusual than actually hitting the dirt.wrsty01-09-2026
- Pog's incredible bike handling skills have saved him a number of times in the past when lesser riders would certainly have crashed. For example, Stage 2 of the 2022 Tour, Stage 5 of the 2024 Tour, Stage 16 (ITT) of this year's Tour and most recently, Stage 6 of this Vuelta. This time, however, he had practically no reaction time to take avoiding action, with the peloton so bunched up and Pog not able to clearly see the road ahead. Was it due to overconfidence? Of course not. He was having a drink from his bidon at the time, but he has done it millions of times in similar situations before. On such a hot day, you are not going to wait for the peloton to string out before taking a drink. Basically, it was a freak accident, which no one could have anticipated. Finally, the law of averages caught up with him and his luck ran out.Cooldude01-09-2026
- It's really sad that the first Spanish rider to lead the race in 8 years, winning a stage in Red - and he couldn't even get a photo on the front page of this site yesterday - instead it's wall-to-wall hot takes and circular discussions about this crash. I'm waiting for all this home-sleuthing and whatnot to turn accusatory and blame-laying, as someone has to pay for this perfect narrative being derailed. And you know somewhere, there's a design for the GT triple special edition UAE kit being quietly deleted/destroyed. Meanwhile, Enric Mas having the ride of his life, the GC fight completely wide open - but nah, let's fill the space with podcast hot-takes. So disrespectful.wrsty01-09-2026
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